Consider this example, recently we had invited a dear friend over for lunch and I needed to prepare 2 desserts. As I read the directions for the pound cake, it clearly stated, that if you loaf pan is too small, please use two. Otherwise, it will overflow. Well because I needed to prepare the other dessert, I chose to overlook that instructions and wah-lah, it overflowed. Each of us are are familiar with that lovely smell of burnt batter. Yummy! I think not. All because I was in too big of a hurry and decided to do it my way.
You would think that I would learn my lesson . . . quite the opposite my friends. I found an Apple Gingerbread Recipe from the apple cookbook our land lady in Schenectady, New York had given us. I knew I had all the ingredients so I begin to follow the directions. So I thought until I rechecked the amount of molasses that should be measured for the recipe. In clear print it stated, "2/3 cups molasses." Instead, I used the 1/2 cup instead of the 1/3. If it were dry measurements, it might be a little easier. Needless to say, the volume of sticky molasses made it interesting at best. I could blame it on my age or not having my glasses on. Bottom line, I was trying to do too many things at once and was in a big hurry.
Likewise, dear ones, we do this so often in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We go to our local Christian bookstore or on line to see what is the most popular book or books that folks are reading. My late Dad always admonished me when he stated, "beware when all men speak well of you." If your criteria is because it's the most favorite author or book to read; then your rationale is not a true test for discernment. When we neglect to discern, we put ourselves at risk to be tricked by the enemy and those who are trying to re-think the Gospel. God's Word never changes and if we change one word, we water down the message and thus we have ERROR.
Think back to our days in school whenever the teacher and/or instructor gave a "true or false," test. If one portion of the statement was false, then the whole statement is false.
Paul writes in this in 1 Corinthians 1:11-16 ~
~ 11 For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man's thoughts except the man's own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
~ 12 Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.
~ 13 And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit].
~14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.
~ 15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].
~ 16 For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa 40:13.] AMP
The veil was torn and we can go boldly to the Father through Jesus Christ. We do not need a professional to interpret Scripture. We can read and understand the Scriptures. The reality is that we substitute devotional readings for actual Bible study. Oh that we would have a new joy for God's Word and to truly hunger after His righteousness. Rather than just going for what is newest and best thing with "popular Christianity." Please read along with me from 2 Timothy 3:16-17,
~ 16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action),
~ 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. AMP
Where the problem lies is that we have become "spiritually unfit and just plain lazy," in the Christian disciplines. Where Scripture is clear, we either water it down or have "selective hearing as well as selective reading." Martin Luther believed the person in the pew could understand God's Word. What we need is not more trendy, popular, ear-tickling literature but for Christians to humble themselves before our Holy Father and repent and "read the instructions!"
Consider these words pinned by the Apostle Paul from 2 Timothy 2:15-16.
~ 15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. AMP
We often hear folks in churches say, "it's not about me, but about Him." Really? If it was truly about Him and what Scripture actually says, our attitudes and mindsets would be totally different. God is a personal God but He is not some one's "best friend, chummy type person." I want to crawl out of my skin whenever I hear God reverenced with such informality.
When I think of the old hymn, "I Stand Amazed in the Presence." My head is not lifted up nor my ego, in fact, the song causes me to ponder my sinfulness and just how holy my God. Back during my seminary years (1980-1983), Dr. William Reynolds gave us caution to some of the lyrics of Christian music. That some songs have become "me focus" instead of "God focused." What sage wisdom he gave us.
My closing thoughts are, are you living your life in and for Christ? Or are you checking to see what the latest "Christian or most popular "buzz words" are? Please keep in mind that whatever is truly done for Christ, His way, will last. Our Lord does not need a "new improved Gospel," or "Gospel-Lite." He needs godly men and women to get serious about reading, heading, obeying God's Word. I do believe we have lost our spiritual GPS and accept just any kind of direction just as long as it has "Christian" attached to it.
Remember, the road is narrow and few there be that find it. And yes, you might at times feel alone but as a blood bought believer, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Do not allow the enemy to trick you.
To conclude, let's read Ephesians 6:10-24. I encourage you not to glibly read over it and perhaps say out loud, "I already know this passage or have read it." God Word is a two edged sword, beware my friend whenever giving into pride or "spiritual elitism." Haughtiness is not one of the fruit of the spirit. Christ has allowed me some field experience in this area. Some lessons have been learned the hard way while others have been a little easier. I think of Pastor Maurice Timberlake, he was indeed a man of true humility. Guess what? Never did we hear him state how humble he was. I believe once we say we're humble, then we are not.
~ 10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
~ 11 Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
~ 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
~ 13 Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
~ 14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
~ 15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. [Isa 52:7.]
~ 16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
~ 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
~ 18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
~ 19 And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel),
~ 20 For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.
~ 21 Now that you may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord [and His service], will tell you everything.
~ 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may console and cheer and encourage and strengthen your hearts.
~ 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love joined with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed one).
~ 24 Grace (God's undeserved favor) be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible [love]. Amen (so let it be). AMP
